Discussions surrounding Son Heung-min's (33, Tottenham) future are intensifying.
Football Insider reported on the 10th (Korea time) that "Tottenham can enter negotiations regardless of manager Thomas Frank's opinion if a transfer offer for Son exceeds £25 million (46.2 billion won)."
This report supports the interpretation that Son is increasingly being regarded as a "strategic asset" within the club. Captain Son recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 matches last season, but a decline in performance compared to his previous explosiveness has been detected. As he is about to turn 33, there are also evaluations that this is a natural aging curve.
Son's contract with Tottenham runs until June 2026, but it effectively has only one year left. The short time remaining until the contract ends, combined with his high salary, keeps transfer rumors alive. In particular, Saudi Arabian clubs are preparing concrete offers, and candidates such as Turkey's Fenerbahçe and Germany's Bayer Leverkusen are also being mentioned.
Football Insider published an interview with financial expert Stephan Borson. He noted, "Considering Son's age, salary, and skill level, £25 million is a realistic price," adding, "This offer could be an attractive revenue recovery opportunity for chairman Daniel Levy."
He also analyzed, "Son is a significant expense for the club," stating, "He cannot guarantee the same level of performance next season. This could become a burden in future club management plans." He added that, excluding Saudi Arabian clubs, there are very few European clubs that can match Son's salary level.
Of course, if Son leaves, Tottenham's brand power in the Asian market will likely suffer. However, Borson asserted, "Maintaining a player solely for commercial value does not align with the club's long-term direction," emphasizing that it is time for a performance-based evaluation.
Tottenham is currently preparing for a summer preseason Asia tour. Son is scheduled to play against Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and Newcastle in Seoul on August 3. Tottenham must ensure Son's participation according to contracts with sponsors in Korea and the Asia region.
BBC reported, "Son's participation in the tour directly impacts the club's revenue. Therefore, it is highly likely that Tottenham will postpone a transfer until at least the end of the Asia tour." Football London also predicted that "a tour without Son could damage the club's brand. The club would want to avoid a revenue decline in the Korean market," suggesting that the announcement of a transfer could be postponed until after August.
This trend is similar to Harry Kane's transfer process in the summer of 2023. At that time, Kane joined Tottenham's preseason tour before his transfer to Bayern Munich but minimalized mentions in public settings while quietly managing the situation.
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